The 18-year old Vasquez struggled with an aggressive promotion to Low-A West Michigan to start the year but really turned things around when he arrived in the New York-Penn League. In 72 games for the CT-Tigers, Vasquez ranked 12th in the league with a .311 batting average while also walking 13 times and only striking out in 45 plate appearances. Though his power remains largely projection, Vasquez did tie for 12th in the league again with 16 two-base hits, despite being one of the youngest players in the circuit. He also knocked two triples and two home runs while using the whole field very well. Vasquez is still raw physically and needs developmental times, but scouts took notice of his hitting ability, with one AL evaluator noting "He can really hit. His natural feel for hitting is just top notch. He needs to get stronger, but that should come." Making consistent contact and showing natural hitting ability is one of the hardest things to do in the game, and that just happens to be Vasquez's most impressive tool, giving him a bright future.

Connecticut Tigers Pitcher of the YearRHP Edgar De La Rosa

Team

W-L

G / GS

IP

ERA

K / BB

AVG

Connecticut

4-4

15 / 15

72.2

3.10

54 / 35

.242

De La Rosa opened a lot of eyes during extended spring training in Lakeland by touching 98 mph with his four-seam fastball. The massive 6-foot-6 De La Rosa is an imposing presence on the mound and his fastball finally caught up with his frame. "I'd love to say we saw 98 in that arm when we signed him," said Director of International Operations Tom Moore with a chuckle, "but I can't say that with a straight face." De La Rosa's fastball and change-up were both weapons this year as he changed speeds and kept hitters off balance, finishing with a 3.10 ERA in 15 starts, spanning 72 2/3 innings. He allowed only 66 hits, of which only three were home runs, and struck out 54 as he worked low in the zone and induced ground ball contact. Any potential big-league future remains a long way off, but with a heavy fastball that easily reaches the mid-90s in every start, De La Rosa warrants attention in 2013.

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